Klamath County OKs exception to hiring freeze to refill patrol deputies amid rising calls for service

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an exception to the county’s general-fund hiring freeze to post and hire vacant patrol deputy positions, after the sheriff’s office reported a sustained rise in calls for service and concerns about officer safety and burnout.

Human-resources director Andrea Lissette requested the hire on behalf of Sheriff Shane Mitchell, saying the department sought an exception to fill vacant patrol positions. Sheriff Mitchell told the board that calls have increased materially: 31,080 calls in 2023 and 36,350 in 2024, and year-to-date monthly figures that show an accelerating trend. He said the sheriff’s office currently has 16 patrol deputies assigned to cover calls and that “Officer safety is a big issue with that.”

Commissioners debated the request at length. One commissioner cited ORS 368.206, noting that state law permits use of certain road-fund dollars for patrol functions and argued the county needs immediate hires to avoid a long-term staffing collapse. Other commissioners agreed public safety is a priority but pressed for clear…